Water bills could double within 20 years

Australians could pay double for their water within 20 years unless there are major reforms.

Power prices are already through the roof and gas bills are bleeding us dry.

Now there are dire warnings Australians could pay double for their water supply within 20 years in the absence of major reforms.

An Infrastructure Australia report, released on Friday, predicts average residential water and sewerage bills could be $2500 higher by 2040.

"For many families, growth in bills of this scale could cause significant hardship," the report said.

"In the context of slow wage growth and rising cost-of-living pressures, including increasing bills across other forms of infrastructure, it is imperative that the urban water sector ensures services remain affordable."

The lack of investment in ageing infrastructure, population growth in urban centres and climate change will all play a part in pushing up prices.